Bill filed to toughen Florida's new ban on texting while driving

Legislation would make texting behind the wheel a primary offense

Published On: Oct 30 2013 09:15:56 AM EDT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -

A Florida lawmaker has filed a bill that would toughen the state's new ban on texting while driving.

The new law was just passed earlier this year, but it classifies texting while driving as just a secondary offense. That means law enforcement has to spot you breaking another law before you can be pulled over.

State Sen. Maria Sachs, D-Delray Beach, filed a new bill that would make texting while driving in the state a primary offense. If it's approved, police would be able to stop and fine you just for texting behind the wheel.

Under the proposed legislation, fines for texting while driving would stay the same, with a $30 ticket for a first offense, and higher fines after that.

The bill will likely coming up during the next legislative session in March.

Copyright 2013 by Graham Media Group. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed